Fla. begins awareness campaign against gambling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The gambling outlets known as "Internet cafes'' are the new poster children of the state of Florida.

A Florida Department of Law Enforcement spokeswoman announced Friday that the agency was distributing posters and fliers explaining that the strip-mall casinos are now illegal in the state.

The documents explain that those operating or patronizing up to 1,000 gaming centers across the state now are "subject to criminal prosecution.'' Enforcement is up to local police and sheriffs.

The new law was a fast reaction to last month's illegal-gambling scandal that led to dozens of arrests and Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll's resignation. She had done public relations work for certain gaming centers before taking office.

The centers allow customers to play sweepstakes games that simulate slot machines.